Early Life

Inetimi Alfred Odon, better known as Timaya, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has become one of the country’s most influential music figures.

Timaya grew up in a large family as the youngest of 15 children. His father worked as a banker, and his mother was a trader. Timaya’s early education was at Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School, and he later attended Ikeja Grammar School in Lagos, where he obtained his secondary school certificate.

Timaya is also the founder of Dem Mama Records (DM Records), a label that has supported the careers of several other artists and helped solidify his influence in the music industry.

His work has earned him a large following both in Nigeria and internationally, as he continues to release chart-topping songs and albums. Known for his energetic performances and catchy tunes, Timaya’s music often incorporates themes of celebration, empowerment, and social commentary.

Career

Timaya’s music career began in 2005 when he released his debut single, “Dem Mama,” which became a massive hit. The song was inspired by the tragic Odi massacre and marked the beginning of his solo career. In 2006, Timaya released his first album, True Story, to critical acclaim. His second album, Gift and Grace, followed in 2008, further establishing him as a force in the Nigerian music scene.

In 2010, Timaya gained widespread recognition after his collaboration on “Kokoroko” with gospel artist Kefee, which won the Best Collaboration category at the 2010 Headies Awards. Two years later, Timaya released his album Upgrade, featuring hit songs like “Bum Bum” and “Sexy Ladies.”

His success continued with the 2014 release of Epiphany, which featured collaborations with 2Baba Idibia, Patoranking, and Phyno. The album’s singles, such as “Sanko” and “Ukwu,” were well-received globally, while Timaya’s reputation as an Afro-fusion and dancehall star grew. In 2017, he was honored with a Grammy nomination for his collaboration on Morgan Heritage’s Avrakedabra album.

Timaya later founded his own record label, DM Records, which helped launch the careers of artists like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2023, his single “Sweet Us” became an anthem during Nigeria’s general elections. In 2024, Timaya released his eighth studio album, Gladiator, which reflected on his life’s challenges.

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